...And After That

This article follows Now You're a Christian: The Next Step

After you have prayed the prayer of salvation and possibly joined the church, or at least started attending, the next thing is…Baptism.

What is baptism?

Baptize-
to make clean

Spiritual Baptism-
Jesus was baptized by death and resurrection. Resurrection is also called “rebirth.” When you become a Christian your soul (nature) dies. When you are spiritually baptized, or saved, by Christ’s sacrifice, you are given a new Spirit, God’s Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit doesn’t make you perfect but when God sees you, He doesn’t see your wrongdoing and you are protected from His judgment. Also, the Spirit guides, prompts, and encourages you.

Physical Baptism-
This baptism is symbolic of the spiritual baptism. It is done…
~as a witness, a testimony to others
~as a symbol to demonstrate death of old ways and a new life, for yourself
~as a sign of obedience to God.